BILL · 2019–20 SESSION

SB 5749: Mistreatment/faith exemption

Concerning faith-based exemptions regarding criminal mistreatment of children and vulnerable adults.

Summary

Adds an intent section.
Removes references to Christian Science practitioners from the criminal mistreatment and child abuse statutes.
Modifies the definition of "negligent treatment or maltreatment" to exclude health care decisions made in reliance on faith-based practices unless the decision poses a clear and present danger to the health, welfare, or safety of a child.

From the House Bill Report (SB 5749), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House

AN ACT Relating to faith-based exemptions regarding criminal mistreatment of children and vulnerable adults;

Passed February 13, 2020

Version voted on: SB 5749

46 Yea 0 Nay 0 Absent 3 Excused

Party	Yea	Nay	Absent	Excused
Democrat	28	0	0	1
Republican	18	0	0	2

How each member voted

Mar 12, 2020Returned to Senate Rules 3.
Mar 6, 2020Referred to Rules 2 Consideration.
Mar 4, 2020Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
Feb 28, 2020Referred to Rules 2 Review.
Feb 28, 2020Minority; without recommendation.
Feb 28, 2020Minority; do not pass.
Feb 28, 2020CRJ - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).
Feb 16, 2020First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.
Feb 13, 2020Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.
Feb 13, 2020Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Jan 21, 2020Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Jan 13, 2020Moved to Rules White Sheet.
Jan 13, 2020By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Mar 18, 2019Senate Rules "X" file.
Feb 21, 2019Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 20, 2019HSRR - Majority; do pass.
Jan 30, 2019First reading, referred to Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

SB 5749 (2025–26) Housing opportunity zones · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
SB 5749 (2023–24) Rail safety governance/UTC · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5749 (2021–22) Rent payments · Enacted · Chapter 95, Laws of 2022
SB 5749 (2017–18) Children's mental health · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
SB 5749 (2015–16) Student growth data elements · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5749 (2013–14) Unfunded state remittance · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5749 (2011–12) College tuition GET program · Enacted with partial veto · Chapter 12, Laws of 2011, 1st Special Session
SB 5749 (2009–10) Mortgage broker practices · Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor